Internal situation in Pak is threat to J

Jammu, Jan 26 (UNI) Alarming danger, Jammu and Kashmir Governor S K Sinha today said internal situation in Pakistan was a threat to the state.

Addressing a jam-packed venue of Republic Day celebrations here, Lt Gen (retd) Sinha said there was no respite in the situation that had occurred within Pakistan, which was an ''alarming bell'' for Jammu and Kashmir.

''Pakistan is not only in a web of terrorist violence but also sectarian conflict, ethnic antagonism and political instability,'' Lt Gen (retd) Sinha said, asserting, ''the lesson we need to learn from all this, is to fight unitedly the monster of militancy violence and the demon of religious fanaticism.'' ''There should no withdrawal of troops on the borders unless normalcy restores in the neighbouring countries,'' he said, adding that once peace was restored in the state and infiltration from across the border ceased, then only troops would return to the barracks.

Greeting people of the state on the 59th Republic Day, the Governor said a number of jawans had sacrificed their lives while combating militancy and he felt proud for having the Indian Army.

''I salute the forces, who remain vigilant and guard our borders and internal security as well,'' the Governor said while paying tributes to the soldiers, who sacrificed their lives in militancy operations. He said it was the effort of the security forces that had brought down the graph of violence in the state.

However, briefing about the development of the state, the Governor said he was associated with the state for the past 60 years and tremendous development had taken place in all the three regions of the state.

''Jammu and Kashmir is marching towards peace, progress and prosperity as several initiatives have been taken to ensure development of all the three regions of the state,'' Lt Gen (retd) Sinha said, adding, ''I want Jammu and Kashmir to remain a peaceful state. I am sure that famous as the 'Crown' of India, Jammu and Kashmir will shine as 'Diamond' and let us hope that love and peace will spread its wings in the entire state.'' UNI VBH MS HS1556